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CV53 ZBU

2004 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Nov 2026
Tests25 (17 pass, 8 fail)
Pass rate68%

Mileage

97,995 mi
Last recorded97,995 miles
Recorded on10 Nov 2025
Typical for 2004 Land Rover Defender81,117 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationCV53 ZBU
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year2004
ColourGreen
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,495cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

17 pass 8 fail
Pass 10 Nov 2025 97,995 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure is fractured but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Fail 30 Sep 2025 97,981 miles

Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Front Brake pipe excessively corroded Center (1.1.11 (c))

Fuel tank insecure (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Brake servo inoperative (1.1.10 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Pass 11 Sep 2024 97,275 miles

Coil spring corroded all (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both rear radius arm bushes badly perished (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 9 Sep 2024 97,275 miles

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt axle ball joint (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced crossmember (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Rear Anti-roll bar linkage attachment bracket/mounting fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Coil spring corroded all (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Service brake requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair (1.2.1 (c))

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both rear radius arm bushes badly perished (5.3.4 (a) (i))

handbrake has little reserve travel

Pass 12 Sep 2023 95,771 miles

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Fail 11 Sep 2023 95,761 miles

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 20 Sep 2022 94,983 miles

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 13 Sep 2022 94,951 miles

Nearside Front Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Offside Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened (7.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Rear reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Pass 9 Aug 2021 93,364 miles
Pass 26 Jul 2019 91,028 miles

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material n/s and o/s aft of flexible hoses (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material across back axle (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 1 Jun 2018 88,515 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play Front ,{off steering arm } (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Fail 1 Jun 2018 88,515 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play Front ,{off steering arm } (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Pass 24 May 2017 86,799 miles

Nearside steering swivel has slight play

Offside Front Front position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

n/s o/s steering swivels have slight oil leaks

Pass 3 Jun 2016 85,538 miles

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

brake pedal anti-slip deteriorating

front bumper damaged

o/s/f and n/s/f seat belts deteriorated

oil leak

Fail 25 May 2016 85,538 miles

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded to flexy hose (3.6.B.2c)

Power steering fluid level below minimum (2.3.1)

Steering box has a significant oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

brake pedal anti-slip deteriorating

front bumper damaged

o/s/f and n/s/f seat belts deteriorated

oil leak

Pass 2 Oct 2014 83,457 miles

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

brake pedal anti-slip rubber split

gearbox mounting shield broken

Fail 29 Sep 2014 83,439 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

brake pedal anti-slip rubber split

gearbox mounting shield broken

Pass 13 Sep 2013 81,540 miles

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 4 Sep 2012 79,184 miles

Oil leak

Pass 8 Sep 2011 72,564 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Fail 8 Sep 2011 72,563 miles

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Pass 31 Mar 2010 64,583 miles
Pass 1 Apr 2009 53,102 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Pass 31 Mar 2008 41,411 miles
Pass 30 Mar 2007 28,142 miles

How Reliable is the Land Rover Defender?

Based on 2,960,045 MOT tests across 181,953 vehicles.

72.3%
Pass Rate
3,550
Miles/Year
43
Year Lifespan
181,953
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush 77,499
Brake pipe excessively corroded 77,229
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 57,749
position lamp(s) not working 53,914
Stop lamp not working 52,341
Full Land Rover Defender reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

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CV53 ZBU is a 2004 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 25 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 68%.

Across all 2004 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 74.0% with a typical mileage of 81,117 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Land Rover Defender fails its MOT is shock absorber has an excessively worn bush, accounting for 77,499 recorded failures. If you're considering buying CV53 ZBU, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Land Rover Defender typically stays on UK roads for around 43 years. At 22 years old, this Land Rover Defender is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of CV53 ZBU?

You can check the full history of CV53 ZBU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was CV53 ZBU registered?

CV53 ZBU is a 2004 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 30 January 2004.

Is CV53 ZBU safe to buy?

The MOT history for CV53 ZBU shows 25 tests with a 68% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does CV53 ZBU have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on CV53 ZBU. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.